Here in Brazil there's quite a big culture of classical guitar playing with no nails, two of our most known guitarist, Toquinho and Paulinho Nogueira never played with nails. From popular to classical music.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+Lucas Fontes Belfort Thanks, Lucas. I already mention Paulinho on my Players page: rmclassicalguitar.com/players/ Of course, I can't name every player, but have given a good cross-section of historical and contemporary players.

@WasabiSoySauce

2 жыл бұрын

This is very reassuring to hear because those two are the reason I want to learn how to play! I was worried about having to start maintaining my nails and it not being work appropriate.

@guitarmanmusic5233

Жыл бұрын

Toninho Horta also .

@davepowell7168

5 ай бұрын

Interesting 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

i kinda prefer the warm sound a nylon string gives when played without the nails

@quarlmephystodot2201

18 күн бұрын

because you are not a player or musician

I am in med school, so I'll be keeping my nails short to limit contamination and grossing out patients. Your video is very helpful, thank you!

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Luke. Keep playing!

@captainprice12341

4 жыл бұрын

Same here

@PinkyMinions

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@dylancrstha5121

2 жыл бұрын

Why don't you use gloves?

@andrewv.157

2 жыл бұрын

@@dylancrstha5121 nails and gloves are not friends. And meds do not wear gloves all the time.

I prefer the sound of the guitar without the nails. I studied with Raymond Lohengrin and when I began thought i would need to grow nails but he explained to me that it is not necessary. I have since discovered that I like the fuller, richer and less percussive sound of the guitar without nails.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Good to know, Michael. I don't know Raymond, but he sounds like a wise teacher!

@noseman1397

5 жыл бұрын

Nails can sound much richer than flesh if the nails hit the strings at an angle and with a good right hand position. You also need a perfect nail shape. It takes some effort, but in my opinion it is worth it

@j.d.2896

4 жыл бұрын

@@noseman1397 yes, I've also seen pinch harmonics that may not be achievable without nails. Definitely there are trade offs.

@noseman1397

4 жыл бұрын

Yes i agree, if you look at all the proffesionals nowadays, everybody uses nails. I think that is saying something

@sebastiansullivan4770

2 жыл бұрын

@@j.d.2896 no you can do harmonics without nails.

Good thoughts. I teach a lot of classroom guitar (and have for the last 10 years) and I have never required my students to use nails due to practical limitations. In the past I've been more than a bit judgmental about people refusing to use nails, but certainly after getting into the lute world I view them more as part of a set of trade-offs rather than a necessity. My experience has also taught me that every person's nails are different, which has meant there is no "correct" nail shape or length either (contrary to the opinions of many performers). The longer I play, the more I teach, and the more I perform I learn that there is no such thing as the "official" way of doing things - there are merely methods by which you can achieve your aims.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+David Stewart - Dave, there are more judgemental guitarists than musician guitarists, and it's becoming harder to distinguish between players. I'm all for variety, and lots of it.

@stevendeeharris1760

5 жыл бұрын

well said

@josephpacetexas

5 жыл бұрын

You sound like a fantastic teacher. Thx for sharing. :)

@zz-np2sr

4 жыл бұрын

I tried growing my nails,they're flat AND thin - not a good combination,they bend and crack.I never liked add on picks,they're clunky and uncomfortable,the tone doesn't appeal to me either,all clanky.I think the tone of flesh warmer,it's not clacky sounding either (metal sounds clanky, nails can sound clacky).I can't play as quickly but whatever ,there's allot more to music than just technical speed.

Even though it's an old video, thank you!! I am learning classical guitar on my own as a hobby. Problem is, I cannot have long fingernails. I am autistic and have major sensory issues with my nails, the moment I start to feel/see them grow it's bothering me constantly, to the point where I can't focus on anything because the sensation is so uncomfortable and so massive. To preserve my sanity I trim them every 2-3 days ever since I was old enough to trim my own nails (perfect for the fretting hand!). The technique you present is exactly what I do instinctively. It's great to see it's a valid way to play. It's a little difficult to not hit neighbor strings I don't want to hear but hey, I'm just a beginner, it will get better :) Happy guitar playing everyone!

@bigadventure101

Жыл бұрын

I tactically can't stand long nails either. Plus, they are full of germs. I like to think I rarely get sick because I have short nails. It protects my patients too.

Great initial insight into flesh playing Rob. I have a real tough job trying to keep my nails in good working order , and in order to lessen the frustration when I break one, I bought a resonator guitar. This turns the negative into a positive when I do break one. But this vid has encouraged me to have a re think ! Thanks

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Julian Egan Check the Players section of the website, Julian - lots of people have played and are playing without nails.

This was very helpful! I am an 'old'er learner having played many instruments in my life including trumpet, 'cello, violas, violins... lots of guitar banging, etc. The soft wonderful richness of the classical guitar (especially without nails) is a sound I can spend hours each day with... musing about the fingerboard. This video and the technique you show does not intimidate, but invites. I really appreciate this video and all of the other ones shared with folks.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Alan. Good to know. Take care, and enjoy the guitar!

Hi Rob, greetings from Indonesia. Thanks for the wonderful video. I'm a retired classical guitar teacher, and played with nails. Back a few years ago I got interested in, and took up the renaissance lute. I had to cut my nails and abandoned my classical guitar as the consequence. Seeing your video has rekindled my interest in classical guitar. Now I confidently and happily play both of them with no nails.

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it, Daniel. As long as you are making music you love, the instrument and technique don't matter so much.

A clear concise presentation, well demonstrated without a lot of talk. Perfect, and this method I shall try. I'm no concert guitarist, so taking all that care of nails is beyond me. I do things in life that cause them to crack and split. Should work for the acoustic as well. Thank you and will visit your web page.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

I discovered this video accidentally. I am playing wihtout nails for many years, and I thought I was alone....thank you for sharing this. You are very generous.

Sounds beautiful Rob. Thanks.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Sergio.

Fascinating and beautiful Guitar too… 🤘👍

very useful ideas and thoughts. not to mention the beautiful tone. Thankyou

I play without nails just like the great Sor, and later in his career, tarrega.

@ThePiedPlucker1

7 жыл бұрын

Jacob Anderson and Giuliani I think...me too I'm actually gone further and play on steel stings acoustic guitar ...sounds gorgeoues

@saintsr0w1

7 жыл бұрын

Jacob Anderson dude i came to this vid because i chose classical guitar as my major instrument in school and piano as my second and i cant have long nails for piano. but for my audition i chose sor! idk why but i thought that was a weird coincidence.

@benjaminmorell6340

3 жыл бұрын

The argument for nails or no nails is fascinating and interesting over the past few centuries

I've been trained as a classical guitarist and played the " proper" way and with the " proper hand position and posture" for years. now I play with flesh like you....not only that but I have ventured into the world of fingerstyle acoustic guitar with steel strings ( which I prefer the sound of tbh) and I play more loosely and freely, use percusive sounds and even use, God forbid , my thumb! its a much more enjoyable way of playing the guitar and that's what it's all about; to enjoy and live life& music. great video

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Good for you, Martin. Enjoy and live life - couldn't have said it better myself!

Thanks for posting this Rob. I've tried playing the guitars dozens of times throughout my 71 ! Years. And, I've tried virtually every type of guitar, from very cheap to fairly expensive. Any ideas or tips are really appreciated. Thanks again Roj

@RobMacKillop1

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Roj. Happy to help.

Smoooth tone, l have been paring the pulgar and nailing the treble strings Depending on our hearing we adapt perhaps over decades Thanks for sharing this choice

I respect your reasons. Your arguments are sound. (I am self taught, so it matters very little how I play my guitar, or how well. I am not professional, and do not enjoy the heritage of this or that teacher taught by the famous guitarist who studied under Segovia or Bream or Vidović. All I have is my love of the music.) I guess it is only a matter of aesthetics. I have been listening to your recordings on KZread and your tone is fat and sweet sounding. I love it. I have them on after work, or while I cook breakfast. I guess we all love guitars and all that matters is the joy we derive from playing them and the music. Everything else is this or that. Thanks for your beautiful playing.

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers, David. You've made my day :-)

Great vid Rob, very informative. Thank you. I play with my nails and I've played with them for so long now that to play without them would feel quite strange at first and probably require a decent period of time to get used to the sensations and adapt. Maybe this is something which holds back other players who have accustomed themselves to playing with nails from making the change? There is always a pang of panic each time I break a nail stemming I think from a fear of having to adapt quickly to a new sensation when plucking, which can be worrying if it happens just before a performance! So this video was comforting to hear, next time I break a nail I'll think of this and maybe I'll switch for a while and see how it goes! Thanks again.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+David J Goodenough - Cheers, David. I remember the day I cut back my nails - very scary! It took me at least six months before I started getting the sound I was happy with. That was over twenty years ago, and I would never go back. Not everyone has the time to give, but if you have no gigs or recordings for six months, it might be worthwhile giving it a go. Good luck. Check out the website: rmClassicalGuitar.com which offers more advice.

such a vibrant and warm sound

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Val. Glad you like it.

Great video Rob. I play without nails and much prefer it and not just because nails are hard to maintain. I also play fingerstyle acoustic and being nail-less helps me move between instruments. I don't tend to have the same hand position as you but I do have a flatter wrist for both classical and fingerstyle.

Very interesting stuff (your website)! You opened me to a whole new world. Now I'm thinking about switching to the 'other side'. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Lawrence. Come on over to the other side. it's nice and warm here!

Your playing is very inspiring, Rob, thank you. I'm a flesh player too and I love the intimate connection to the strings and the softer, but more rounded tone. The only issue I have is keeping the inevitable index and middle right hand calluses at bay. A callus file helps with that, but my annular still creates the nicest tone. Thank you for the inspiration. Jim

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jim. I don't have calluses. I use hand cream twice a day. Recommended!

@CedricTheSecond

8 жыл бұрын

+Rob MacKillop That's really good advice, thank you. I'll give that a try. Jim

Great video. Fantastic playing :) and good words.

Thanks for this overview of your technique. It is certainly interesting and your tone is quite beautiful to me. Is there any technique that you think favors nail over flesh (or vice versa)? For example, is tremolo easier with nail or without?

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+kc0dxf Everyone asks about tremolo ;-) First of all, after cutting off his nails, Tarrega did a tour of Italy in which we know he played some tremolo pieces. The audience reaction was no different from his usual reviews. Pujol says that the tremolo without nails is more ethereal, not like a machine gun. So, can I play tremolo like I used to? No. Can I play tremolo? Sort of - I'm working on it! Of course, each technique is better or worse at various things. It might suit you, it might not...

I like your video. Your technique and hand position are very reminiscent of lute technique.

I converted to playing without nails about half a year ago, encouraged by your superb videos. I feel this technique brings me much closer to the tone and the instrument. I play mostly classical pieces but I find it to work for fingerstyle playing just as well. On top of all this it simply saves a lot of time and trouble. The first 2-3 months I needed to adjust but I have never regretted it a single day. Thanks Rob! Keep up the great work! Regards from Hamburg

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

thingsandso That's great to hear. Thanks for saying it. And best wishes for your future playing!

@tomaszwota1465

6 жыл бұрын

futbolalbiceleste I'm also interested in this. High tension or normal tension strings?

@ddpove

6 жыл бұрын

No, it is not, on the contrary Rob in his web page encourages to start learning with a low tension (410Hz for A 5th string tunning). Please see his web page to know more information rmclassicalguitar.com/technique/.

Good volume, I had no idea it could sound so good. I've always played with nails, but now I have a problem with my middle finger and I need an alternative. I think Segovia was more flesh than nail. Thanks for sharing. Good job.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Nick. Give it a try, but use very low-tension strings or a lower pitch for six months to allow your fingerpads to get used to their new role. You don't want calluses.

I'm surprised how strong and good your tone is. I've always had problems with my nails, so I googled the issue, found your video and will try it. Thank you.

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

Cheers, John. Good luck. Check out the advice on my website, and find out about other non-nails players: rmClassicalGuitar.com

Thank you for this. I get discouraged with my difficulty on using a traditional technique. Your style is so unique and yet very adept, it was very encouraging to watch.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+thom dushane Cheers, Thom. Good luck with your own playing. Any questions, just ask.

Thanks for this. I'm a woodworker and a guitarist and my nails frequently suffer from damage in the shop. Gluing fake nails on is problematical at best. I had never even considered this approach, but I will certainly be looking at it moving forward.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Good luck with it. Many people share a similar problem.

@azzurres1

7 жыл бұрын

I dont now if Rob plays completely without nails. But i can tell you that even very, very short nails work for me best. when i want to play loud it is much more power with very short nails.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

I most certainly play without nail contact.

@jockojohn3294

6 жыл бұрын

In the same boat as you, as well as concrete & stone work, and general construction / maint. of my Japanese garden. My nails are always "gone", but are very thin to begin with. I don't even think about nails or no nails, I just play..

@stevendeeharris1760

5 жыл бұрын

@@RobMacKillop1 rob mackillop rules !!!!

I've played like this since the beginning, now for like 5 years :P

I can't play with nails because of work, I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to play proper fingerstyle, thanks for this encouraging video!

Thanks for the video Rob, im an intermediate player and have recently cut my nails off - what a relief (i was always filing and messing with them!) - i really like the warme, rounded sound with them. Cheers

@RobMacKillop1

2 жыл бұрын

That’s great, Marty. Take your time with them. Use hand cream to keep the tips soft, and I suggest even tuning down a tone for at least the first month. You don’t want calluses to form.

@martyjames6204

2 жыл бұрын

@@RobMacKillop1 thanks for the reply and the additional advice Rob, much appreciated

I’ve been playing classic since I was 10. At that age I bit my nails really bad! With my nails at normal length now it is really easier to play (tremolo specially), with a crisper more defined sound. The best is to combine nail and flesh. Normal length, not a claw.

@jimicunningable

Жыл бұрын

I imagine you are correct most of the time. I must be interwebs contrarian tho; no one "needed" nylon strings until Segovia, Jaco did in fact have a five string bass and some self taught legends like Django Reinhardt were even missing bloody fingers. I heard a rumour Sor liked to rest his rh little finger on the soundboard sometimes too! Correct is usually correct - no irony - but sometimes you gotta do you. lol, HF.

Hi Rob-Just to let you know the nails are off this morning! a very liberating moment for me. You are a great man.

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Harry Verey And you are a brave man! Good luck. Be prepared for some frustration. Take your time, it's a long and winding road, but worth the effort. Some have found that they like to grow a little bit of nail to support the flesh, not enough to make contact with the string, of course. I prefer not to. But we all have different finger shapes, so keep it in mind as an option. One more angel gets its wings! :-)

@HarryVerey

9 жыл бұрын

Rob MacKillop Thank you Rob- I have just uploaded a first piece 'Gris his Delight' by Thomas Robinson without the fingernails- got a few missing notes! but enjoying new sense of intimacy with the guitar. fingers are quite sore. I know this will take time but it's a start

Hiya Rob. I so appreciate the habit you have of nurturing/feeding the love of the MUSIC, the quality and evocative quality of it, however that takes place. Strict adherence to the rules or mainstream habits shuts many folks out, unfortunately. A simple piece, humbly and sincerely played, nails or not, can be beautiful for sure. There's room for every expressive yearning of this kind.

@RobMacKillop1

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Heidi. Thanks for the very thoughtful comment, which I will ponder over. By the way, you made a comment on one of my videos a short while ago which KZread sent me notice of. But when I went to read it, it had disappeared. KZread does that if you include a link sometimes. So I was unable to respond to you. Please don’t think I ignored your comment, which I would never do. Best wishes, Rob

Flesh playing is really beautiful when it is used by a guitarist who knows what they are doing. This video was enlightening. Thank you.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Angela. Appreciated.

Your guitar is beautiful.

Lovely sound!

Thanks for the video for us who are unable to maintain nails , been looking for a way to produce good sound

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Jeff. Keep at it.

Hi Rob thanks for sharing your technique . I love the sound you get. Is there any downside to playing without nails? Like maybe difficult to play tremolo? Etc... ?

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

None whatsoever, Chris. People do play tremolo without nails. Tárrega did. See my website: rmClassicalGuitar.com

Great stuff, Rob! My nails are horrible and acrylics just don't work for me. I thought I read in one of your books about plucking the string from the underside? While I don't play classical, only steel string the results must be the same. Nice website!

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Curt Thanks, Curt. Yes, this technique does work with steel as well. Good luck!

Thanks for your videos, great informatives value and musicality. I also play without nail ; my guitars are all cedar top ; i'm just wondering if spruce top will maybe help having clarity or ´brightness' and helps to 'compensate', in comparaison with nails' picking. But your guitars also seems to be cedar. How do you think?

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

Not all my guitars are cedar, some are spruce. The technique is non-instrument related. Cheers.

Thank you for this upload... it boosts me up a lot.... I have lost my right hand thumb nail in an accident(that is 1/4 of the thumb part, Partially amputated thumb), and was really worried about the tone produced by the flesh of the thumb, but after seeing this I want to know other techniques to improve the thumb tone on strings. Dear Rob could you please suggest any.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about your accident. There's always a way to play - ask Django :-) It's impossible for me to say without knowing exactly how your thumb looks, and how you use it. I use a hand cream to keep the fingertips moist, so that's something you should consider. And if you can play rest strokes with the thumb, that's often a good way to improve the tone of the bass notes. If you want a Skype lesson, let me know, otherwise I can't say much to help, other than "Good Luck!".

Thanks- I've played all my life without nails are recently grew them and it feels too weird.

Thank you for this video. You proved and have helped me break free from what I thought I was "supposed" to do and now I am playing so much better and it feels much better :)

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers, David. You've made my day!

@DavidDorenfeld

5 жыл бұрын

awesome :)

I cannot test it right now, but tilting the hand to see the palm seems like an idea worth investigating. Congratulations, you are the first player besides BB King I know of that figured out that you need to use considerable force for your vibratos so that they not only look, but also sound good. I struggle with my tremolos due to my short nails, which I love to bite.

@RobMacKillop1

3 жыл бұрын

BB has been a hero of mine for 45 years! My, I'm getting old!

@kokeskokeskokes

3 жыл бұрын

@@RobMacKillop1 I am about 20 years behind then. I can't really twist my hand as much, as I also need my thumb for picking, however tilting my hand just a little bit helps significantly. Thank you for the tip.

Rob, you produce a very beautiful sound without nails. May daughter is starting her 3rd year of classical guitar lessons and feels bad about being unable to use her nails yet (cause she bites them). I will show her this. She is learning Lágrima and I came to your videos to listen to your rendition of it, which I find very nice. She also uses a small body guitar. The guitar you are using in this video when you talk about playing without nails, is this a full body guitar or is the body a bit smaller?

Thanks Rob. I enjoy rock climbing so the fingernails need to stay short if I'm to push myself hard. Growing them out at the moment for guitar and noticing lots of improvement in accuracy, speed and tone. I'll try your hand position next

no nails for me either. Especially good for Tremelo pieces like Tarrega's Rec De La Alhambra ans Sueno. I believe that according to Segovia, Bream and others ,that Tarrega was also an advocate of the no nail style.Interesting & informative video Rob. Will tune in again soon.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Phil. Check out my website rmClassicalGuitar.com for info on Tarrega and others.

Beautiful tone out of your fingers!

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I like some skin in my sound too, so my nails are a little longer that "normal" but barely noticeable. By changing the angle I can get that treble nail sound if I wish, with long nails you can hardly get the flesh sound if you want it. so it gives me some kind of freedom in my sound.

It’s a mind opening video thanks!

@RobMacKillop1

3 жыл бұрын

Good to know, Diego!

Excellent. Thank you !

your technique is brilliant. just wish i was that fast and timely with the nails I actually do have haha. just tired of snapping them and feeling lost.

Excellent video!

Great playing Rob. I really enjoy your channel. I am a very new guitar player and I play classical without nails too (nails wouldn't suit my lifestyle), so it is encouraging to see a player of your calibre do the same. Do you always play classical in a classical sitting position, or do you vary how you sit depending on the style of music you are playing? Thanks.

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Tyler McNabb Hi Tyler. I vary my position throughout the day, which helps my body from seizing up. Got to keep loose!

Awesome guitar man that sound is unreal post model and brand if you can !!!

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

It's a Ramirez 130 años. Very nice guitar.

Thank you for this. As an auto mechanic it is impossible for me to keep my nails long enough to play guitar with them. I don't really have any other choice but to use my finger tips. Coming from under the strings is brilliant and I am going to try and incorporate that technique in my playing.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

sduke39 - I completely understand. There are many people who have been told they can't play classical guitar because work commitments prevent them from growing their nails, and many of them give up trying. It's such a pity, and unnecessary. I urge you to ignore all that. Find a way, get stuck in, a world of wonderful music awaits you! :-)

Thanks for this video Rob. I'm a fan of the no nails practice! There's nothing worse than listening to a recording of a player with incredible ability and technique only to have it ruined by the infernal clacking and scratching of fingernails on strings. Not all players and recordings have this issue, but it's all too common! I think with cut nails however, it is possible not to rely solely on the pad but to articulate between the nail and pad (using the transition point) to create a variegated attack. Using this transition point allows use of the existing nail edge without damaging it as the pad acts as a buffer to the nail protecting it from brute force. One can maintain a reasonably sharp attack this way. Transitioning to more nail can be accomplished by reducing the hand angle you are demonstrating in the video. Try going back and forth.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Hi Joseph. Thanks for your comments. There as many ways of playing without nails as with, I think, and I hope we see more players exploring the possibilities, though many are already. Always room for more!

Muy interesante .,!!! Según Tarrega esta técnica Permite un sonido más Refinado y melodioso., Quizá nos comparta alguna Obra de Tarrega con esta Técnica., Muchas Gracias .

The guitar playing of a legend. All salute to you sir.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Haha. I'm not so sure about that! But thank you anyway :-)

This actually helped me alot..since I cant use my ring finger too actively and don't want to grow my nails ( can't stand the feeling)

This is reassuring and I love your sound. I've been playing the lute for 5 years or so but bowing to pressure am starting to play the guitar so I found this reassuring. Do you use lower tension strings to make them easier to pluck ? I noticed your right hand is very lute like although not particularly thumb under which is identical to mine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience on this !

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Andrew. Check out the Technique section of my website:

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, rmclassicalguitar.com/

Sounds great

Thank you for this video, and all your great instruction. If I might ask a completely off-topic question, were you using a guitar support of any kind in this video? Your position looks very natural.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Gary. No support. I was sitting on a low couch. I normally use a footstool, but do like to vary my sitting posture.

@GarySchiltz

4 жыл бұрын

@@RobMacKillop1 Thanks Rob. As for the topic of the video, I'm encouraged that I don't need to have long fingernails to play classical guitar. I do a lot of manual labor, gardening, etc, which isn't very compatible with long finger nails. Plus, I wouldn't want to make my wife jealous if my nails were prettier than hers :-)

A great video Rob the guitar sounds as it should do. I'm now tempted to cut my nails and get back to some manual work again!. Best Harry Verey

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Harry Verey Thanks, Harry. Get the scissors out! ;-)

@HarryVerey

9 жыл бұрын

Rob MacKillop You have a new subscriber! .I checked out some of your photography some really excellent work.I have just started uploading guitar vids have struggled with the audio but getting there.Hope to add some photography too if I can get it together. I'm reaching for the shears now!

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Harry Verey Good. Let me know when you get stuff online, photography included.

@HarryVerey

9 жыл бұрын

Rob MacKillop Will do- I do already have some videos up on YT including Illyrian Lullaby which I thought I heard you play a little bit and a couple of Bach preludes my sound is not as pure as yours though.They should come up if you enter my name in the search.

@RobMacKillop1

9 жыл бұрын

Good playing, Harry. Too much nail, though ;-) Only kidding!

amazing that's so cool!

Hey rob, I want to thank you for collecting and sharing so much knowledge with the world. You have truly inspired me. Blessings.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mr. Z. Appreciated!

I like you Ramirez 130. Lovely tone.

Thanks Rob!

hey rob, the sound you're making with the guitar is so pure, i have been playing guitar for a year now, no nails just flesh, but the sound i make is somehow sharp and brittle, no where near a nice mellow sound, i think the problem is with my finger tips themselves being harsh, got any advice for me?

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Hi Ahmad. I use a hand cream every day. Any type will do. Keep moisturising! Also, I've been playing without nails for twenty years or more, and my pads have become used to the strings. It won't take twenty years, but hand cream will help. Good luck.

Beautiful. Great tone. I also prefer to play without nails, for the soft, gentle attack.

This is for a web page essay: rmclassicalguitar.com/technique/

@ZenGuitarStudios

5 жыл бұрын

I am curious, can you play consistent tremolo (for example Recuerdos de la Alhambra) using the no nails technique? Can you upload a video of you playing tremolo? It would seem to be very difficult given your angle.

@thephoenix2304

5 жыл бұрын

Rob MacKillop - thank you for being a champion and arbiter for this classic technique. I like playing with nails, but my ring fingernail grows very curved with a straight nail edge and lots of flesh on the end of my finger. I’ve always struggled with keeping the length without it breaking but it generally doesn’t work out. When I started with the classic guitar, after years of playing electric bass, I played with no nails but was led to believe that it wasn’t correct or “proper”. You have inspired me to return to this technique. Thank you again!

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZenGuitarStudios Sorry I missed this comment. Yes, I can do tremolo. No, I never do requests. I do whatever I want, whenever I want. Sorry. The guy who won the SKY Television classical guitar competition did so playing Recuerdos without nails. One more thing: If you, for example, couldn't play Recuerdos with nails, does that mean no one else can, and therefore it is a useless technique? I doubt it. But, yes, I can play tremolo.

@RobMacKillop1

5 жыл бұрын

@@thephoenix2304 Cheers, Phoenix. I hope you are still working on it.

@Raging_Granny_Gamer

5 жыл бұрын

@@RobMacKillop1 Well, I would love to see you do a tremolo piece. I wonder if it would be softer in volume than with nails.

Thank you for sharing this, I'm not alone! 😊

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

That's becoming more and more apparent. We have a convoy!

@marcpaters0n

8 жыл бұрын

+Rob MacKillop 😆

thanks mr. macKillop. I was recently forced to play with fingertips only after carelessness caused nail breakage on thumb and 1 & 2 fingers. After initial shock at loss of volume, I then adapted and realised the different tone qualities which were now available. Especially the smoother, rounder bass note sounds from thumb. Funny that Sor in later life confided to his friend Aguado that if he had his time again he would learn with nails, while Aguado said if he could learn again he would play as Sor, with no nail.! Its all a personal thing really. Silly the pedanticness of some guitar teachers.! Very nice Ramirez you have here, beautiful tone, I also love sound of my no.1 guitar, 1988 Ramirez. Sometimes the overtones are like angels singing from the ceiling of my room. A strange thing, that only happens with very good guitars. Thanks again.

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

Hello Eugenius. I am aware that Aguado said he would play without nails, as you mention, but I have never read that Sor said he would play with nails. Where did you read this? I am pleased you are experiencing the positive aspects of flesh playing :-)

@eugeniuswilliams5457

6 жыл бұрын

Well Rob, you have got me searching the memory banks as to where i read of this interesting Sor Aguado relationship. I remember storing this fact as it struck me as of great interest at time of reading. Is it in Sors Handbook? I will get back to you when I can trace the scholarly source. Is it true that flesh picking with no nail is the orthodox method of lute playing? I admire your excellent guitar playing, and you have given confidence in the veracity of fleshy finger style playing. I now use both methods freely as the music itself requires.

@RobMacKillop1

6 жыл бұрын

I've never heard of "Sors Handbook". What is that? And, yes, most lute players play without nails. Cheers.

Hey Rob! Did you hear about a late 19th american guitarrist called C. F. Elzear FISET? He used a very modern system of scales with p, m & i, three notes per string. He was a mandolinist too.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Felipe. No, never hear of him. Sounds like I should, so thanks for mentioning him. Cheers.

What guitar is this? Did you add any effects/EQ on your video? Thanks Rob!

Thanks for the info and more details on you play without nails. I hope you can record more on this Ramirez, those few tones you played here sound certainly very nicely. Maybe we can hear entire dance no 5? I would certainly see forward :-). Best regards /6str.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+sargijapunk Sorry, I sold it to help pay for my Simon Ambridge guitar, which I love.

@sargijapunk

8 жыл бұрын

I understand; seems like worthwile investment indeed :).

Yes, I for one am in the habit of fingerpicking even ukes Renaissance lute style.

Great video. I actually just took an interest in classical guitar after playing electric and just regular acoustic for a little while. Bass as well. Mostly metal and rock and other types of music if you can believe that lol. Ive just wanted to get more into music theory and the classical guitar seems like a great instrument to become proficient on to build some understanding in that area. This was actually one of the first few videos Ive watched about the classical guitar and I just had to know if there were other ways to play than growing your nails out. I hate having long nails it disgusts me haha. But Im not a big person and my hands are smaller so this technique will probably work well for me. Again, great video. Thanks!

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

William Broach - Cheers, William.

Mr. MacKillop, thanks for making this video. I am new to classical guitar (although not new to guitar playing) and have recently grown out my right-hand nails because I thought that was required to play correctly. While it does allow for easier picking, it gets in the way of my keyboard typing at work. Throughout most of my 30 years playing acoustic or electric I've rarely used a pick and have mostly enjoyed the sound and feel of bare fingers plucking the strings (on old strings too). I like that more subdued sound you get. So you've inspired me to learn classical guitar without nails. Is there a certain brand/gauge of strings you recommend for no nail playing? Thanks again for making these videos. You sound great!

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

+Roger Deforest Thanks, Roger. You are right - the sound and feel of bare fingers on strings is really something special, and I'm pleased you are considering playing classical that way. As for strings, I have a page on my website devoted to the subject: rmclassicalguitar.com/strings/ Best wishes, Rob

How winsome, humble and simple can you get? No preaching, no pedantics, just a well thought out point of view. And I'm cutting my nails tonight!

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Robert. Take your time. Go slowly. I suggest you tune down a semitone or more for the first month, as you don't want to develop caluses. Use hand cream too. Your finger pads require time to get used to their new role, after which there will be no going back :-) More info on my website rmClassicalGuitar.com

I could really use some ground rules for playing melodically on the high B and E strings fingerstyle. I see some guys alternate middle and pointer fingers, but it feels too compact, and I wonder if I should be using my ring finger at all. The steep angle combined with the fishwire string gauge is really stumping me. It feels like I can play comfortably and accurately until getting to that B string, then I just get a thin tone with adjacent strings getting inadvertently tapped.

@RobMacKillop1

3 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with using your ring finger, Will. I use it often for melodies. I teach via Zoom if you want to take this further. Cheers.

It all depends on how your nails grow, I’ve seen some weird nails that grow over the fingers which in that case flesh is probably better, to each their own. Good video

Amazing!

Very nice! Another benefit is that when playing ff with nails the tone is difficult to keep full; probably because of the flex in the nail with the added force. I don't think you have any issues with that using no nail.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

Exactly, Jack. Good point.

What an unusual way to play, yet your skill is undeniable.

@RobMacKillop1

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Curt. I’m not the only one: rmclassicalguitar.com/

I’m playing with flesh at the moment as nails don’t work with my lifestyle. The first thing I found is a massive loss of volume and brightness. I play a kohno with diaddario super high tension composite strings. Should I buy a louder guitar? Lower tension strings? Brighter strings? I tried nyla gut strings recently but wasn’t overly impressed.

Wow!this the first time I see that kind of picado so fast using the thumb and the index... Would love to see a video more detailed about that

@poodle3507

4 жыл бұрын

Lute players used it all the time so you might find some info there

Hi Rob, I also play without nails but I have to cut them very short, because sometimes the short nail hits the string and the sound is too loud, compared to the other notes without nails. My classical guitar has a double top and has more volume than a regular guitar, so it is good for playing without nails. I will try to use the pinky on the top of the guitar, to see if that is a better position for the other fingers. Thank you for the explanation. Greetings, Ramón.

@RobMacKillop1

3 ай бұрын

Good luck, Ramón. The pinkie should not press down on the top, just very lightly touch it. My pinkie very often comes off the soundboard. Pressing creates tension, which you don’t want. Cheers, Rob.

Thank you for this. You made me get rid of my fear of playing with the flesh. Now what i will constantly try is to convine flesh and nail, being conscious that there's nothing wrong with the flesh.

Fantastic tutorial. Im a Jazz player, that means i use a pick and a bit fingerpickin. I always wanted to go further into classical but everyone kept telling me about nails and how to take care of them. I went to your website to the flamenco section, it drew my attention to be able to play flamenco without nails, but it needs a password.

@RobMacKillop1

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks. The flamenco section is being written, and will be online in two or three weeks. Pop back later.

I love this video and have watched It many times. It is so inspiring for people who can't (or don't want to) grow their nails, like myself! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Greetings from Brazil.

@RobMacKillop1

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Fred! Appreciated.

I have used nails before and found that I am a KLUTZ with a capitol K and just kept breaking them...etc. Now I just play without nails and I find it is just fine for me. I enjoy steel and nylon stringed guitars so to me going from one or another is no problem. Whatever works for you is my view. I think your video expressed some very good thoughts. Nails or No Nails that is the question? Music to me is an individual's expression of themselves and should not be governed by others. By the way you sound great!

Very interesting technique, Rob. It is actually lute technique--no nails, pinky on the soundboard, thumb under index finger, no nails and preference for p-i fingering. Playing with no nails is certainly a valid option for non-professionals. But because of the reduced volume and more limited (though beautiful) palette of colors, it is at a disadvantage in the concert hall. Tárrega played with nails until the last part of his life, when he switched to "no nails" and his disciples stuck rigidly to that technique (causing much friction with Segovia who began his concertizing with nails). Aguado, Sor's friend played with nails, and Sor admitted it gave him the advantage in playing fast scale passages. Of course we don't know whether Aguado used longer nails and used them more percussively à la flamenco or more like contemporary classical guitarists.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

George Oberlander - thanks for the comments, George, though they only detail part of the facts. I do not play thumb under. There is no one such thing as a lute technique - it varied over time. You are misinformed about volume - I've yet to meet a nail player who can produce a louder sound than me. I play duets with a nail player, and have no problem being heard. Concert volume is not a problem - if you develop the right technique. If you break a nail, naturally it sounds quieter. Yet if you develop the technique over years (I've been playing this way for over twenty years) then volume is not a problem. Tone colours - I have no desire to do Bream-like extremes (though he is a hero in other ways), so feel nothing lacking in that respect. I'm not against nail playing - far from it - but chose to play without them, especially on good-quality gut strings (see my more recent videos). Like any technique, it takes time to develop, so I do advise people to try it for at least six months, slowly and with low-tension strings to start with. I do not have calluses, as they are detrimental to the tone production. In short, I would not dismiss it so easily. But many thanks for caring enough to make your comments, George. Cheers, Rob.

@RobMacKillop1

7 жыл бұрын

George Oberlander - I forgot to add that not all Tarrega's students played without nails.

Enlightening!!!